What is needed for this training:
You just need to have a passion for the breastfeeding/Lactation topic and want to help families through this crucial time in their life.
There are no prerequisites and no requirements of college or background in postpartum care
Where and how long is this training:
Depending on which training you sign up for this training can be in person, Live via zoom, or prerecorded and done at your pace online. We are based out of Florida however, we travel and train in person all over the country! From Alaska, to Hawaii, Florida , California and the northeast! If you don’t see a location close to you or that you want to travel to, message us to find out how we can come to you.
The In person training is 20 hours, the virtual ones vary depending on class size and if you are doing it at your own pace!
What is included in this training:
This training will include a teaching breast, handouts to use with clients, and a goodie bag of things that will help you in your practice. As well as CEU’s and a certificate of attendance.
This training & certification is approved by the USLCA (United States Lactation Consultant Association).
What does this class cover?
Module One
Where to Start
You will learn Ethics and scope of practice for the professional Breastfeeding counselor. So that you know what you can and cannot do or say. We will go over Helpful hints for test taking and certification. And understand why Inclusivity matters. You’ll understand the importance of lactation counselors and the benefits we offer new families and the society as a whole.
Module Two
History and the Formula Industry
You will learn how we got to this point in our history with breastfeeding, the struggles of new parents and the marketing of formula and how it impacts new parents and babies. You will understand the difference between formula and breastmilk and what that means for babies.
Module Three
How is Milk Even Made?
Learn all about anatomy of the breast, and the hormones that make it create liquid gold for the new life that was created. Learn about the instincts and how to use that innate process to create a healthy breastfeeding relationship.
Module Four
Understanding the First Few Weeks
Basics! Just the basics! Understanding what is normal and what is cause for concern for the parents and the baby. Normal newborn instincts and what it expects from its parents. How do we know how much a baby is getting? What about those poopy diapers? Learn how to assess a clients concerns and how to effectively walk them through it.
Module Five
Breastfeeding Challenges
We will discuss the emotional side of birth and postpartum and the impact our mental state can effect breastfeeding. You will learn how to identify and suggest options for parents for all the common things parents experience from low milk supply concern to sore nipples. Learn the signs and symptoms as well as suggestions to help clients work through those struggles right from the start. In this training you will learn about Every common concern new parents have and how to guide them through it.
Module Six
Effective Counseling
Culture and how it can affect the pregnant families. Understanding culture on several levels and how it can affect new parents is important.
We will talk about Challenging outcomes and birth trauma. It is important to know how to best guide people when they have things happen that are challenging. We will learn skills to effectively communicate and help our clients be successful in whatever their goals may be.
Module Seven
What about Special Circumstances?
There are some challenges that are more of a struggle than others. Premature babies, twins, medical issues, and physical issues can be present. Learn how to assess some of the common ones and help your clients work though those and who to refer to when it is beyond what you are able to offer.
Module Eight
Pumping & Alternative Feeding Options
You will learn what kinds of pumps are best used for what circumstances. We will discuss important things to know when suggesting pumps, alternative feeding options and other accessories. You will understand the options and why they are important to protect the breastfeeding relationship. All this plus much more in this extensive and comprehensive workshop!
Frequently Asked Questions
about breastfeeding training, birthwork, & more
Questions about the Breastfeeding for Professionals training:
The Breastfeeding for Professionals counselor training is 18 hours at minimum when doing an in person training. Virtual and at your own pace will depend on the participants.
Once the training is completed you can teach breastfeeding classes. If you are a labor or postpartum doula you can more easily help your clients trouble shoot issues they are having in real time and not have to refer them out to someone else, and you can also do breastfeeding consults privately for clients.
This is a great addition to any of the other classes. Because breastfeeding is so prevalent in the community now, many new parents are really trying to be successful more than in the past. Knowing some basic knowledge can get them off to a great start.
Absolutely. I often have people who aren’t sure if they will even be able to do this work and if it is a good time for them. You can reach out and let us know your concerns and we will help brainstorm with you and make sure you understand everything. It is important you feel safe and understood when signing up for such an important workshop.
General questions about trainings with Ruth:
Once your registration is complete, if you haven’t paid online you will be contacted to pay how it works for you. Once paid, you will get a welcome letter with details about the course within a week as well as what you need to know before the course.
We travel and train all over the country. We have gone to Alaska, California, Hawaii, Montana, Georgia, Illinois, Arizona, Florida, Virginia, Connecticut and New York! We are always looking to expand!
You can check the schedule if there is something close to you, if there isn’t and you want to bring a training to your area, reach out to the office and let them know what training you are looking at, your location and if you have an idea when you would like the training to come to you.
Yes. Currently, we offer four different options to take the training.
1) In person at different locations around the country
2) Virtual training done via Zoom
3) Prerecorded trainings where you watch videos at your own pace
4) Private training where you schedule with the trainer virtually or in person when it works for both of you.
What do I do if I have more questions?
Always reach out and ask. It is important to us that you are comfortable with us and you know your voice matters and is heard when taking any of our workshops.